2013 Audi TT

Though the lineal design heritage of the Audi TT is obvious from the original to the 2013 model, it's clear that the stylists have changed their tack with the latest generation, penning a more squat, low-slung sport coupe and convertible with contemporary Audi cues.

The wide, low stance looks like it's squatted on its haunches, ready to spring into action, even at a stop. Bright, modern headlight enclosures with LED accents, large air inlets, and sleek, flowing curves give the TT an aggressive, yet cultured look.

The base TT Coupe and Roadster come with a 211-horsepower 2.0-liter TFSI turbocharged engine paired to a six-speed dual-clutch DSG automatic gearbox. Whether letting the computer handle the shifts or using the steering wheel-mounted paddles, the result is smooth, quick gear changes executed flawlessly--every time. TT Coupe models manage the 0-60 mph run in just 5.3 seconds, while the Roadsters require 5.6 seconds due to their extra weight.

The TTS Coupe and Roadster share a hotter version of the 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder, rated at 265 hp. Both are also available exclusively with the DSG six-speed transmission. With the extra power, the TTS Coupe can get to 60 mph in as little as 4.9 seconds. Handling is very good in the TTS, thanks in part to its standard magnetic ride suspension system, which includes a Sport setting that lowers the car by 0.39 inches and stiffens the ride for better responsiveness. In comfort mode, the magnetic ride system smooths bumps and improves comfort just as well. The TTS also benefits from larger brakes and a tuned exhaust system for a little more bark.

The back seats are little more than package shelves--or perhaps technicalities for slightly better insurance rates--but the front seats are very comfortable. Leg and head room are both adequate even for adults over 6'6". The cabin even manages to feel wide, thanks to the broad dash and open instrument panel design. In Roadster models, the soft top keeps nearly the same ample headroom as the Coupe, though it does sacrifice the arched, sleek roofline.

The console and glove box are small, and storage space in general is less than abundant. In the Coupe, a stowage space beneath the hatch is fairly generous, however, with room for a weekend's luggage for two, and folding the rear seats forward opens up even more space. In the Roadster, the folding soft top doesn't impinge on the trunk space, so it too offers adequate, if not ample, cargo space.

All TT Coupe and Roadster models offers standard anti-lock brakes, side airbags, electronic stability control, and hill-hold assist. The active safety assists you'll find on some other luxury coupes are missing, however--you won't find features like blind-spot alert, lane-departure warning, or a backup camera.

Rear parking sensors are offered, however, and can be especially handy in the Roadster, which can make rearward visibility difficult with the soft top raised.

Piling on the options can quickly drive the price above $50,000, but in this segment, that's par for the course--and you do get what you pay for. Upgrades like the Silk Nappa leather and Alcantara upholstery with aluminum trim, and 10-way power front seats give the TT a much more premium feel.

On the Roadster, option for the power-operated soft top makes it much more convenient to go topless, and the Bose premium sound system is much better suited to top-down driving.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the 2013 TT and TTS Coupe and Roadster at 23 mpg city and 31 mpg highway, for 26 mpg combined.

The higher-performance TT RS uses a 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine that generates significantly more horsepower, but is proportionally thirstier, too, rating 18 mpg city and 25 mpg highway for 20 mpg combined per the EPA.